OFFICIALS WARNED: Misuse of Govt vehicles will lead to disciplinary action

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim government has directed strict compliance of its standing instructions to prevent misuse of government vehicles, warning disciplinary action against the errant government officials.

Two persons have recently lost their lives during separate motor vehicle accidents that involved government vehicles in Gangtok. Aiming to stop such misuse of government vehicles, the Home department on Monday issued a circular reiterating the standing protocols on use of government vehicles.

“Use of government vehicles shall only be permitted if the vehicle is driven by the designated officer with a valid driving license or the authorized driver. The Law Enforcement Agencies shall stringently verify this mandate at various checkpoints and issue challans to such vehicles and report the matter to the concerned Head of Department, if any discrepancy is detected,” reads the circular issued by chief secretary VB Pathak.

The circular adds: “Handling and driving of government vehicles, by children, family / relatives / friends of officers, for driving lessons, rallies or for other activities which may be construed as misuse of government vehicles shall be liable for disciplinary action.”

Careful and prudential use of government vehicles shall be the sole responsibility of the concerned officer. A government officer shall be liable for the expenses towards repair and maintenance of the government vehicle and any consequences thereof for use of the government vehicle by unauthorized persons for non-compliance of the instructions, said the Home department.

The Home department further directed that henceforth all State government officers on their retirement from their service shall surrender attached vehicles to their respective departments within 15 days after retirement.

“The heads of department shall be held responsible for non-compliance of this directive and appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken against the delinquent officer under the Sikkim Government Servants’ Conduct Rules 1981. The heads of departments/secretaries shall ensure submission of a compliance report on surrender of vehicles by retired officers on the 20^th of each month to Home department,” states the circular.